Director's Corner - May 17, 2025

You’re My Home

Well I’ll never be a stranger and I’ll never be alone… Wherever we’re together, that’s my home.

Hello Beber families, and welcome to Summer 2025, our 50th summer together.

Fer, Michel, Abdiel opening the kitchen.

While I usually wait until opening day to launch the Director’s Corner, this milestone year deserves an early start. So much is already happening at camp, and I couldn’t wait to share the energy building here in Mukwonago.

I’ve officially moved up to camp, joined by seven incredible returning staff from Mexico, four in the kitchen and three on our maintenance crew, some of whom are now celebrating their fifth summer at Beber. Their dedication and early energy are helping us set the tone for the season ahead.

This weekend, Kim Kaplan Bird (42 summers!) and Cheryl Kaplan (44 summers!) were also here helping open the office and prepare for what’s ahead. Kim, our Program Director, has been unpacking and organizing everything from camping gear to evening program materials. Cheryl, who supports so much of our behind-the-scenes logistics: travel, HR, international staff support, and more, is already keeping things running like clockwork. Their presence reminds me just how deep Beber’s roots go.

We also shared our first camp breakfast, eggs, hash browns, and strawberries. Simple, but it tasted like camp.

Thanks to cooperative weather and a phenomenal site team, we’re already prepping the pool, and two key projects are well underway: the installation of our new waterfront fence, and the final stages of cabin climate control upgrades that will make this summer even more comfortable for our campers and staff. These investments are a reflection of how we’re honoring 50 years by building toward the future.

This blog’s title comes from a song that’s been stuck in my head ever since I arrived. It reminds me of Russell Wiener, our longtime Music Director Emeritus. Over 20 years ago, he played this one during a quiet Crown Hall evening, and ever since, it’s been one of those songs that makes camp feel like home. Russell has also been helping shape the Crown Hall renovation planned for Summer 2026, a space that has hosted so many of Beber’s most meaningful moments.

Once campers arrive, the Director’s Corner will return daily with stories from the day, glimpses into camp life, and reflections on what makes this community so special. Don’t forget to download the Campanion App for photo alerts and blog updates. You can also access all blogs by clicking here.

‍Trivia Time:
Can you name the artist behind “You’re My Home”? Email your answer to trivia@bebercamp.com, and I’ll give a shoutout in the next post.

Here’s to the early mornings, fresh starts, and being exactly where we’re meant to be.

Peace, Love, 3BC,

Michael